Republic Day celebrated with gaiety across Odisha

The 67th Republic Day was celebrated today across Odisha with gaiety. While Governor SC Jamir unfurled the Tricolour and took the salute at Mahatma Gandhi Marg during the state-level parade in the capital city, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik hoisted the national flag at the Barabati stadium in Cuttack.

In his speech, Chief Minister said a vision document titled [email protected] will be implemented this year. Besides, he described Odisha as a role model for successful implementation of social security schemes.

The government is emphasising on proper implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) in the state. The credit goes to the farmers for Odisha winning the Krishi Karman award for the fourth consequitive year, he said in his speech.

Moving the legs and hands in perfect synchronisation with the beating drums and massed pipes, personnel of state police, Bharat Scouts and Guide members and students from city-based schools participated in the parade. Besides, school children donning colorful costumes reverberated the atmosphere with spectacular cultural performances. The daredevil act by the students of Maharshi College of Natural Law and the tableaux were a treat for the eyes of the spectators.

To ensure smooth passage of the celebrations, the venue was sensitised and various check points were put up for frisking of vehicles in the temple city.

To avoid any untoward incident, four-tier security arrangement was put in place in the state capital for the celebrations.

In view of a security threat information received from intelligence bureau (IB) and other security agencies, a high alert was sounded across the state.

In Maoist-infested areas, the ultras put up posters and banners at a few places in the state asking people to boycott the celebrations.

According to reports, the rebels have torched construction equipments and vehicles used for the construction of roads under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY) at Dhaliakuji under Muniguda police limits in Rayagada district late last night. They have set afire a tractor and a JCB machine opposing the construction of roads.

Similarly, five Maoist posters have been spotted at Kalyansinghpur under Parasali panchayat.